Discover the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Malaysia on this 7-day journey. From the iconic Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur to the lush tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, explore vibrant cities, historic temples, bustling markets, and scenic coastal villages. Witness traditional boat-building in Terengganu, visit a turtle sanctuary in Cherating, and stroll through the streets of Georgetown.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands
Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves - Cameron Highlands. We depart at 08:30 from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands. En route, visit Batu Caves, home to a Hindu shrine and a key pilgrimage site, especially during Thaipusam. Make sure you arrive in Kuala Lumpur the day before your tour starts.
Continue north, stopping at Lata Iskandar Waterfall before arriving in the Cameron Highlands, known for its cool climate and tea plantations. Check in at your hotel, with the rest of the day free at leisure.
Estimated driving time/distance: 3 hours, 210 kilometres.
Overnight: Cameron Highlands
Tea, Traditions & Island Bound
Cameron Highlands - George Town. At 9:00, we depart for a day of exploring the Cameron Highlands. We'll visit a tea plantation (closed on Mondays), tea factory and vegetable farm, and can also shop for souvenirs and fresh produce in the market square. After a day spent exploring the rural side of Malaysia, we head to the capital of Penang state, George Town. We'll make a few stops enroute, including at the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple in Ipoh, the Ubudiah Mosque and Iskandariah Palace in Kuala Kangsar. We'll cross one of the world's longest bridges to reach Penang, before arriving at the hotel. The evening is at leisure.
Estimated driving time/distance:
3 hours 45 minutes, 247 kilometres.
Overnight: George Town | Breakfast
Exploring George Town
Take a half-day tour of George Town, Penang’s historic city. Visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Chayamangkalaram and Dhammikarama Temple. Drive along the Street of Harmony, home to diverse religious sites, before exploring the ornate Khoo Kongsi clan house. Enjoy a local coffee shop visit and a photo stop at Fort Cornwallis.
Overnight: George Town | Breakfast
Penang to Kota Bharu
George Town - Kota Bharu. We are crossing the whole of Malaysia today, as we leave Penang for the town of Kota Bharu. This resort town is located on the east coast, near the border with Thailand.
It's a scenic drive, as we pass great swathes of ancient rainforest. If we are lucky, we may spot elephants on the drive - the traffic will grind to a halt to allow these gentle giants to cross the road between tracts of forest. We'll arrive in Kota Bharu in the early evening.
Estimated driving time/distance:
5.5 hours, 342 kilometres.
Overnight: Kota Bharu | Breakfast
Markets & Maritime Traditions
Kota Bharu - Terengganu. At 09:00 we take a short orientation tour of Kota Bharu, visiting its vibrant wet market, where women traders sell batik, exotic fabrics, fresh produce, and local crafts. See traditional silverware, kite making, top spinning, and songket weaving. There's also a chance to observe brown sugar production and sample local sweets.
Continue to Terengganu, stopping at Pulau Rusa to witness traditional boat building. Drive through Chinatown and see the Maziah Palace and State Mosque.
Estimated driving time/distance:
3 hours, 167 kilometres.
Overnight: Kuala Terengganu | Breakfast
Cherating, Kuantan & Turtles
Kuala Terengganu - Cherating. At 9:00 we head for the resort town of Cherating, a great place to experience traditional Malay life. Watch the locals braiding pandan leaves into useful items such as mats and bags. We'll also visit a turtle sanctuary. This part of Malaysia is home to Olive-Ridley, Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill turtles, and the centre works to protect the eggs of these species as they come ashore to lay them. The onsite hatchery ensures as many baby turtles as possible make it to the sea, helping to conserve these amazing creatures. The rest of your day in Cherating is at leisure in Cherating or further down the coast in Kuantan, where we are spending the night - maybe you could enjoy a few hours at the beach?
Estimated driving time/distance:
2.5 hours, 218 kilometres.
Overnight: Kuantan | Breakfast
Farewell Malaysia
Kuantan - Kuala Lumpur. After breakfast we drive back to Kuala Lumpur, where our tour comes to an end. If you prefer to be dropped in Singapore, this can be arranged for an additional cost.
Estimated driving time/distance:
Kuantan – Kuala Lumpur: 3 hours, 260 kilometres,
Kuantan – Singapore: 5.5 hours, 352 kilometres.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Strawberry Park Resort, Cameron Highlands
Strawberry Park Resort offers a tranquil retreat in the cool climate of Cameron Highlands, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. The resort features spacious rooms with parquet flooring and private balconies, offering scenic mountain views. Guests can unwind at the indoor heated swimming pool, rejuvenate at the spa, or enjoy a game of tennis or pickleball. Dining options include local and international cuisine, with a focus on fresh highland produce. The resort's location provides easy access to tea plantations, strawberry farms, and nature trails.
The Wembley St. Giles, George Town
The Wembley St. Giles Hotel offers modern comfort in the heart of George Town, Penang. Rooms feature contemporary décor, plush bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows with city or sea views. Guests can relax at the rooftop infinity pool, stay active in the fitness centre, and enjoy diverse dining options, including local and international cuisine at the Wembley Cafe and Enoshima. The hotel’s central location provides easy access to UNESCO-listed heritage sites, vibrant street food, and major shopping districts, making it an excellent base for exploring Penang.
Grand Renai , Kota Bharu
Grand Renai in Kota Bharu offers a comfortable stay with spacious rooms featuring modern amenities and city views. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, sauna, and four dining options serving local and international cuisine. There's an onsite ATM machine and the hotel’s central location provides easy access to cultural attractions, shopping centres, and the vibrant markets of Kota Bharu.
Primula Beach Hotel, Kuala Terengganu
Primula Beach Hotel in Kuala Terengganu offers a relaxing seaside escape with direct access to the beach and stunning views of the South China Sea. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, featuring modern comforts, air-conditioning and private balconies. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool, stay active at the fitness centre, or savour local and international dishes at the on-site restaurants. Conveniently located near the city centre, the hotel provides easy access to cultural landmarks, vibrant markets, and the picturesque waterfront, making it an excellent base for exploring Kuala Terengganu.
Swiss-Belhotel, Kuantan
Swiss-Belhotel Kuantan offers a stylish and comfortable stay along the scenic coastline of Kuantan. Rooms feature contemporary décor, modern amenities, and stunning sea or city views. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool or on the terrace, stay active in the fitness centre, or enjoy a variety of dining options serving local and international cuisine. Located near popular beaches, shopping centres, and cultural attractions, the hotel provides a convenient base for both leisure and exploration in Kuantan.
At a Glance
